Nangong Yan saw that Xiao Man's expression was calm, without any trace of anger or jealousy. "It's rumored everywhere that you and the Tanhua Lang are engaged. Little Nine misunderstood, which is why she lost her composure. Fortunately, you aren't angry, or I wouldn't know how to apologize to you."
"Third Imperial Brother needn't worry. Princess Jiu and I met by chance. As for the Tanhua Lang, my relationship with him is not something that can be explained in a few words. It's definitely not as the outside world claims, that I used my power to force the Tanhua Lang to marry into the General's mansion." Xiao Man had a headache. Who was spreading this rumor, and with such vivid details? She didn't even know how to refute it!
"I naturally believe you. However, rumors are more ferocious than tigers. You still need to be careful. After all, you are now a princess. Those officials in the Censorate, who usually have nothing to do, like to pick on the royal family."
Xiao Man nodded in agreement. Her father had been impeached quite a bit recently. As for the reasons for the impeachment, they were all because of her daughter. Xiao Man's face felt a little hot; she was probably professionally a father-ruiner.
"Thank you for the reminder, Third Imperial Brother."
Nangong Yan escorted Xiao Man to the entrance of the General's mansion and then returned. Zhu Yun was a bit curious, "Young Master, does Miss Xiao have feelings for the Tanhua Lang?"
"Although the Tanhua Lang is outstanding, he doesn't quite catch her eye," Nangong Yan said softly. "Has the date for the spring hunt been set?"
"Replying to Young Master, an imperial decree has been issued from the palace. The spring hunt is set for the third day of the third month."
"The third day of the third month?" Nangong Yan's expression moved. "The envoy from the Wuyue Kingdom is here now, and it coincides with the spring hunt. I imagine the Emperor intends to give the envoy from Wuyue Kingdom a show of strength. Fourth Brother should personally participate, right?"
"Young Master, are you going to participate?" Zhu Yun drove the carriage, which was traveling smoothly on the road.
"With my frail body, what am I going to do on the field? It would just be a spectacle for others," Nangong Yan said gently. "However, it wouldn't hurt to play along."
"Young Master, please rest assured, this subordinate will stay by your side at all times to protect your safety."
Nangong Yan chuckled softly. "That's truly reassuring."
Zhu Yun's eyes immediately lit up, and he looked very pleased.
When Xiao Man returned to Shuiyue Xiaozhu, she found the atmosphere there rather peculiar. Qiu Tong hurried to meet her. "Miss, something bad has happened."
"Who's here again?" Xiao Man asked, unperturbed.
"The King of Qin is here."
"Let him come. It's not the first time he's been here."
Qiu Tong looked worried. "He was caught by the General."
Xiao Man, who had already stepped out, immediately retracted her foot, hesitating whether to hide. Then she heard Xiao Zhen's voice coming from inside the room.
"You're back, come in."
Xiao Man's face bloomed into a smile, and she walked into the room. "Father, you're back so early today?"
"Early? The sky is already dark, and you call it early!" Xiao Zhen's face was stern.
Xiao Man entered the room with a composed expression. As expected, she saw Nangong Yu sitting on the other side, leisurely drinking tea. But Xiao Man was Xiao Man; she wouldn't be intimidated by such a scene.
"His Royal Highness, the King of Qin, is also here. Your humble daughter greets His Royal Highness, the King of Qin." Xiao Man smiled charmingly at Xiao Zhen. "Father, you and His Royal Highness the King of Qin have come to my place, is there something important?"
Xiao Zhen stared at Xiao Man's seemingly oblivious expression and felt uncertain. Did his daughter really have no illicit relationship with the King of Qin? But if there was no illicit relationship, why would the King of Qin, with his personality, sneak into his daughter's room at night? If he hadn't been waiting for her in Xiao Man's room for something, he wouldn't have known the King of Qin was such a scoundrel!
"Your Royal Highness, the King of Qin, my little daughter has returned. Why don't you tell us, Your Royal Highness, what you were doing climbing through the window into my daughter's room so late at night?"
Xiao Man glanced at Nangong Yu. "You're a master, the leader of Tianji Pavilion, and you were caught red-handed by my father!"
Nangong Yu saw Xiao Man with her eyes fixed forward and her nose and heart in line, acting as if it had nothing to do with her. He found it amusing and said softly, "Speaking of this matter, it is indeed my fault. It is not that I was reckless, but rather that Xiao Man invited me here."
Xiao Man glared at Nangong Yu. When did she ever invite him?
Xiao Zhen looked at Xiao Man. Xiao Man tried her best to smile. "Father, I said I didn't..."
Nangong Yu used the teacup lid to filter the tea leaves from the surface of the water, interrupting Xiao Man. "I heard you wanted to visit the Silver Armor Army's camp. Is the rumor incorrect?"
Xiao Man's words, which were on the tip of her tongue, changed instantly. "Yes, Father, it was I who invited His Royal Highness the King of Qin. I just forgot about it."
Xiao Zhen looked at Xiao Man, then at Nangong Yu. These two had a problem, but whether it was Nangong Yu or his daughter, they were acting too calmly. Xiao Zhen felt a bit uneasy.
"It's late at night, and a man and a woman are alone in a room. If there's anything, it can be discussed tomorrow," Xiao Zhen said slowly. "What are Your Royal Highness the King of Qin's thoughts?"
"The Grand General's consideration is indeed thoughtful," Nangong Yu replied.
"In that case, I will escort Your Highness out." Xiao Zhen stood up, making a gesture to see him out. Nangong Yu put down his teacup and left readily. Xiao Zhen glared at Xiao Man. "I'll deal with you when you get back!"
After Xiao Zhen saw Nangong Yu out of the General's mansion, he immediately returned to Shuiyue Xiaozhu. Xiao Man had already had wine and dishes prepared. The wine was Xiao Zhen's favorite, Fire-Scorched Clouds, and the dishes were his preferred accompaniments. Xiao Zhen looked at Xiao Man standing obediently by the table, then at the wine and dishes on the table, and chuckled.
"Oh, not bad. Fire-Scorched Clouds, poached chicken, steamed ribs, bitter melon, peanuts, and pig's ears. All my favorites."
"It's been a while since I had a drink with Father, so I thought we could have a couple of drinks."
Xiao Zhen sat down at the table, poured a cup of wine, and drank it in one go. He then picked up some of the side dishes with his chopsticks, seeming very satisfied. Xiao Man breathed a sigh of relief and immediately sat down at the table. However, as soon as she sat down, Xiao Zhen's gaze shot towards her, and Xiao Man immediately stood up again.
Xiao Zhen ate the dishes and drank the wine. "This poached chicken is excellent, the meat is tender and the skin is sticky. The bitter melon is also delicious, and the steamed ribs are perfectly seasoned. You've put a lot of thought into this."
"As long as Father likes it."
Xiao Zhen glanced at Xiao Man and continued to eat, asking as he ate, "Tell me, what's going on between you and the King of Qin?"
"What is my relationship with the King of Qin..."
"Indeed, a daughter grows up and no longer stays home. Now, for a man, you even deceive your father." Xiao Zhen sighed. "Xian'er, did you see? I raised her with all my effort, and now she dislikes me."
"Father, when did I ever dislike Father?"
"You lied to me for a man, isn't that disliking me?"
"I've formed an alliance with the King of Qin," Xiao Man said quietly, biting her lip.
Xiao Zhen's chopsticks clattered onto the table. He looked up at Xiao Man, and after a long time, swallowed the meat in his mouth. "You've formed an alliance with the King of Qin?"
Xiao Man nodded. Her alliance with the King of Qin couldn't be hidden forever. Since she had been caught, she might as well confess.